Jesus' First Passover (Age 13)

Understanding Jesus' expectations of this long-awaited pilgrimage to Jerusalem helps you gain a better insight into Jesus' reactions to the entire experience. On one hand, everything he had ever imagined Jerusalem and the temple to be in regards to the awe and beauty of the material grounds, buildings, and the city of Jerusalem did not disappoint. There were also some unexpected thrills during his visit, but much of the behavior of the people during his experience at the temple disappointed him to the very core of his being. The visit of a celestial being during this journey ended up serving as a reminder and challenge to him – a confirmation of his purpose and consecration of his will to seek to do the heavenly Father’s will. Living in Nazareth, with the liberal interpretation of the rabbis, allowed him to interact with gentiles and had prepared Jesus somewhat for what he was about to encounter; but Jesus had been sheltered from the corrupt, commercial aspect of the temple proceedings in Jerusalem. This young, sensitive soul was about to encounter one of the great shocks of his life, and the opportunity to experience a better understanding of the world as it existed in first-century Palestine. During the Passover week, Jesus kept his place and listened attentively to the discussions. Upon its conclusion, Joseph and Mary mistakenly left Jesus behind. He remained at the temple, engaging scholars with his wisdom. When they found him days later, he calmly explained his purpose and pledged to be obedient to both his heavenly and earthly fathers. Jesus' time at the temple allowed him to shine and left a lasting impression on those who heard him speak.